School Chief Defends Management Style

Allen Wants Specifics Of Criticism

March 11, 1989|By DAVID LERMAN Staff Writer

JAMES CITY (COUNTY) — School Superintendent John E. Allen, under fire from county supervisors for allegedly being a weak administrator, defended his record Friday and labeled their public criticism of the school system "unfortunate" and "inappropriate."

One day after witnessing an extraordinary showdown between the county Board of Supervisors and the School Board that left his reputation in doubt, the superintendent said he cannot respond until he is told what specific problems are at issue.

"If what they did last night was to be constructive, I need to know more specifically what their concerns are," Allen said. "It's impossible to deal with generalities. I'm very open to constructive criticism, but I don't think the forum last night was the most appropriate way to deal with those concerns."

Supervisors Thomas K. Norment Jr. and Perry M. DePue told the School Board on Thursday that the school system suffers from a "public lack of confidence" in the administration. But in interviews Friday, both declined to explain the reasons for the lack of trust and their assessment of Allen's performance.

"I think what we need is a cooling-off period," DePue said.

In a series of recent interviews, several critics, none of whom agreed to be identified, described Allen as an administrator who relies heavily on his staff and keeps teachers and principals at a distance. While he may be adequate for the job in general, they say, he lacks the leadership required to move the school system forward and give it inspiration.

"A majority does not feel he's an educational leader," one source said. "He has no curriculum background. He has never been a principal. He keeps himself very removed."

Allen defended his eight-year record as the Williamsburg-James City County school system's top administrator, saying he has initiated a host of programs that have given the system the leadership it needs.

As evidence, he cited, among other things, the creation of the instructional skills program, which provides teachers with a training seminar to master various teaching skills.

As for his administrative competence, Allen said, "I don't think I'm an ineffective manager. I think I'm a good manager. Frankly, I think I'm above average."

The superintendent's salary and benefits total $81,223, according to a revised contract dated June 21, 1988.

Although this week's criticisms came only from county officials, Williamsburg leaders have also expressed reservations about Allen.

At a forum last fall, Mayor John Hodges attacked Allen's financial management. "You can throw all kinds of money at problems, but if you don't have the right people to administer it, this is what happens," he said, referring to test scores showing local students below the statewide average.

Allen justified low standardized test scores then by saying the scores are lower than in neighboring jurisdictions because James City has more black students who, he said, tend to score worse than whites.

On Friday, Hodges said he did not think the city shared the same degree of concern over Allen as the county has, but added, "I'm not entirely pleased with the way the system is being administered."

Criticism surfaced again in January, when school board member Nolan T. Yelich opposed Allen's reappointment for a third four-year term.

"I feel personally and suggest there is change that is needed and warranted," Yelich said then. "The report card on the last four years is about due and there are mixed grades in my estimation."

But the overwhelming majority of the school board has stood by the superintendent, saying he has earned a "high level of support."

Clearly conscious of a lingering public skepticism, however, the board has been drafting what are expected to be more specific guidelines and objectives for the superintendent in preparation for his new contract, which has not yet been signed.

Allen said Friday he has no intention of retiring anytime soon.

"I think I've done well," he said of his performance to date. "At least up until this criticism we've been getting, the image of this school system was infinitely better than it was when I came here. I think I had a lot to do with changing that image for the better and building a reputation."

Thursday's encounter left school board members angry and frustrated by what appears to be a lack of understanding and trust between the two boards.

"I think an explanation is in order," said Kenneth E. Smith Jr., the school board's vice chairman. "I feel uncomfortable now about the lack of support for schools and the funding for education. Should another meeting be suggested, I'd be very apprehensive about going into that."

Norment said he did not intend his remarks to be a personal attack, but he said, "Someone needed to finally state the concerns shared by others in a public manner."